Morning of Bloodshed

“Depressive suicidal black metal” (DSBM) is one of the larger microgenres of metal. Despite having a pantheon of bands labeling themselves as such, it is still an extremely obscure form of music. This is largely due to the fact that most of the practitioners of DSBM are typically only one or two members, and since “bad” production is an important aspect (in most cases, but there are obvious exceptions), it allows those without bags of money laying around to create this form of music with ease, making it sound just like “the real thing”. Compound all of this with the fact that the genre is focused on nothing but killing yourself and depression, and you have a style of music that is not only easy to make (for posers) but easy to relate to.

In this case, Nyktalgia is “the real thing”. They are a band who, within their own arcane scene, are fairly popular and very influential. Modest production, howling tortured screams, unreadable logo and an album cover with someone about to shoot themself, Nyktalgia adhere to all of the staples of a normal DSBM band, but they milk the sound for all it is worth. This is a band that hates life so much, it’s kind of unbelievable that none of the members have actually committed the deed yet. Their lyrics are cold and nihilistic, describing the emotions one goes through when deciding to kill themselves as well as the dark void into which we shall all pass.

If you like DSBM then you most likely already know about Nyktalgia, but for whatever reason you haven’t heard them yet, you should definitely check them out, or at least listen to the song above. I chose “Cold Void” because not only is it one of their best songs, but it is also endorsed by the infamous Niklas Kvarforth (Shining), who got the title tattooed on his knuckles. So get out the razors, turn the lights off, fire up some candles and let the waves of despondency wash over you.